A SENIOR Scottish Borders Council officer is leaving to take charge of one of the UK’s largest leisure trusts.

Edinburgh Leisure has appointed Jen Holland as chief executive, taking over the role from June Peebles from Monday (March 18).

A qualified accountant, Holland has been director of Strategic Commissioning and Partnerships at Scottish Borders Council since March 2019 and has a wealth of sector experience and insight, having previously worked with various public sector and charity organisations, including Fife Cultural Trust, NHS Fife and Live Borders.

Holland says she’s committed to continuing the community focus of the organisation, adding: “Edinburgh Leisure has an incredible track record and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh through a huge variety of services, programmes and projects. I’m proud to be able to lead the organisation in the continuation of this work.”

Edinburgh Leisure operates more than 50 venues across the city, including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the Meadowbank Sports Centre – which opened during the pandemic – Victorian Swim Centres, Europe’s largest climbing arena, six golf courses, leisure centres and school facilities.